One of the most important parts of planning a vacation is deciding how you’re going to spend your time once you get to your destination. When Gatlinburg, TN is the location of your getaway, you will find there is no shortage of things to do. However, with the beautiful Smoky Mountains serving as the town’s backdrop, you won’t want to miss out on taking advantage of all the outdoor recreation the area has to offer. Hiking in Gatlingburg is an especially popular activity among locals and visitors, which is fun for the entire family and will allow you to get in some good exercise as well.
Reasons to go Hiking in Gatlinburg
There are a number of reasons to put Gatlinburg hiking trails on your vacation itinerary. There are several different hiking trails in Gatlinburg of varying degrees of difficulty. Whether you just want to go for a leisurely stroll or you’re looking for a challenge, you will be able to find the perfect path. Along the way, you’ll experience some of the most breathtaking views that you’ve ever seen and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. In addition, staying active during your travels allows you to indulge in the region’s delicious food scene without feeling guilty about it.
Top Gatlinburg Hiking Trails
Winding over diverse landscapes throughout the Gatlinburg area are hundreds of miles of trails, many of them located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are some of the top hiking trails in Gatlinburg paths to check out:
Alum Cave
Alum Cave is rated a moderately difficult trail with a distance of approximately 4.4 miles. It’s situated inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features quite a few landmarks, including Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the Alum Cave Bluff.
Gatlinburg Trail
Beginning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Trail eventually takes hikers into downtown Gatlinburg. It’s approximately 2.6 miles round trip on mostly level ground that goes through forest alongside the Little Pigeon River. It’s one of only two paths in the park that allow dogs and bicycles.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is one of the most well known Gatlinburg hikes. It’s an easy to moderate trail that curves through hemlock forest for about 3.0 miles round trip. The path’s main attraction is the cascading waterfall that hikers are given access to actually walk behind.
Rainbow Falls
The reward for traversing the moderately difficult Rainbow Falls trail is that it leads to the tallest waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. This is one of the most picturesque paths, as the whole 5.4-mile round trip journey takes hikers through hemlock forests.
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
For those who are short on time, the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is the ideal hiking trail in Gatlinburg. The trail is paved and flat and loops through beautiful forest for one mile round trip. The walk is highlighted by streams and old homesteads.
Choose The Cabin Rental Store for World-Class Accommodations in Gatlinburg
The Cabin Rental Store has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from that exude luxury and relaxation. After a full day of hiking in Gatlinburg, you will be happy to come back to the comforts of your cabin rental. We have properties in all sizes, featuring a host of amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.
